Bass Coast Shire Council awarded a contract to TS Constructions Pty Ltd to carry out the Upgrade of the Loading Dock at Wonthaggi Union Community Arts Centre (WUCAC). The WUCAC loading dock was a legacy facility that needed upgrading.

Over the past 4 years Council has been increasing its investment into the venue in capitol, resourcing and operations. The return for this investment is that the venue is highly activated now and experiencing significant community demand to both attend and, importantly, present shows. Local groups, local schools and local dance schools are all utilising the venue to the full. We are also experiencing significant demand from the commercial touring hirers such as Anh Do, Kitty Flannigan and The Wiggles. This hire program is complimented with a Council funded buy-in program that has recently delivered artists such as Archie Roach, Kutcher Edwards and Circus Oz. In the first 6 months of 2022 we have had over 18k ticket holders attend an event at the WUCAC. With the facility operating almost 7 days a week.

With the old loading dock consisted mostly of a downward sloping concrete ramp running from stage level to a 1.7metre drop into the lane. In this old layout the dock was largely dysfunctional and not exactly safe. The complexities of its use where highlighted during large bump in /out procedures such as Circus Oz. The Wonthaggi Theatrical Group have traditionally built a false floor during their season to level the dock and thus utilise the ramped section for set and prop storage.

With the new platform lift travelling smoothly between lane and stage height we will be operating a safe and efficient dock facility into the future. Loading, and unloading prceedures as well as spatial efficiencies during show time have all been vastly improved. All our staff, crew, customers, and community will benefit from the increased safety and functionality offered by this upgrade.